Malts and Shakes: How to Decide Between These Popular Cold Treats

Malts and shakes. There has been a lot of debate around these two. Which tastes better? Which pairs well with other meals? Which is healthier? Many people have had either malts or shakes and don’t know the difference. 

I was a fan of shakes for many years. Initially skeptical of trying malts. But my perspective changed the first time I had it. Once you know the difference between both (when you’ve tasted them both), you realize there is an art to picking your cold treat. 

So What’s the Real Difference?

Let me make it as simple as possible for those who haven’t tried them both. A milkshake is a smooth blend of milk, ice cream, and flavoring. It’s cold, creamy, and perfect for those who want a classic, sweet treat. 

On the other hand, a malt has the same base as a shake but with added malted milk powder. It’s a mixture of milk, wheat flour, and malted barley. That single ingredient (malted milk powder) is what makes the difference. 

The deeper and toasty flavor the ingredient gives the drink is hard to describe. You’d only understand when you try it. 

Where you buy yours also matters. I’ve tried both from Whataburger, Jack in the Box, and Wendy’s, and I never regretted it. So Foody has a list of restaurants that sell good malts and shakes. 

Why Some People Swear by Malts

I recently asked my friend, Whataburger malts vs. shakes, choose one. She just went for the malt without thinking twice. People who love malts really love them. 

People find malt more comforting because of its slightly old-fashioned, nutty taste. Malts have a little more depth and are not as sugary as regular shakes. 

Malts are great if you:

• Like richer flavors. The malted powder adds warmth and balance.
• Enjoy old-school treats. They’re a nod to vintage soda fountains.
• Want less sweetness. The malt powder tones things down a bit.

My friend later settled for vanilla malt. I asked her how it tastes, she said, “it tastes like a cookie melted into ice cream.” There is no better way to describe it. 

Why Shakes Are Still Everyone’s Favorite

Over to shakes. Shakes are popular for a reason. They are smoother, lighter, and come in many flavors. You can choose vanilla, peanut butter brownie, salted caramel pretzel, and more. 

If you’re the type who craves sweet, creamy, dessert-like drinks, a shake is probably your move. It’s that all-American treat that fits any mood.

Plus, shakes are easier to pair with food. A malt might feel too rich if you’re eating a full meal, but a shake? It slides right in next to a burger, fries, or even a sandwich without feeling like too much.

Picking Between Them Comes Down to Mood

Honestly, it’s not really about which one’s “better.” It’s more about what you’re in the mood for.

If it’s a hot afternoon and you want something cool and sweet to sip while driving — go with a shake. But if you’re sitting at a diner booth, taking your time and maybe reminiscing a little, that’s a malt moment.

Here’s how I think about it:

• Shakes = fun, refreshing, modern, and playful.
• Malts = cozy, nostalgic, deep, and comforting.

Both are delicious. They just hit differently depending on the vibe.

How to Tell a Good One from a Great One

Not every shake or malt is made equal. Some places make them too watery, others too thick. But when you find a spot that nails it — creamy, cold, and perfectly balanced — it’s hard to go anywhere else.

A great shake or malt should:

• Be thick enough to hold its shape, but not so thick you can’t sip it.
• Have ice cream that tastes real — not artificial or overly sweet.
• Leave that satisfying “ahh” feeling after the first sip.

And if you’re lucky enough to find a diner that still uses real malted milk powder instead of syrup — hold onto it. Those places are gems.

A Little Tip for First-Timers

If you’ve never tried a malt before, start simple. Go for chocolate or vanilla. The malt flavor blends beautifully with both. Once you’ve got a feel for it, experiment. Strawberry malts, cookies-and-cream malts — even coffee malts — are surprisingly good.

And if you’re making one at home, malted milk powder is easy to find at most grocery stores. Add a spoonful to your favorite milkshake recipe and blend until smooth. You’ll taste the difference right away.

When in Doubt, Share

Sometimes, the best way to decide is not to decide at all. Order both. Split them with a friend. I’ve done it more than once — one straw in a malt, one in a shake — and we just passed them back and forth. By the end, we couldn’t pick a favorite. Both had their own thing going on.

There’s something about sharing those kinds of moments that makes the whole experience better. It’s less about what’s in the glass and more about the company and the nostalgia that comes with it.

The Bottom Line

So, is a malt better than a shake? Not really. They’re just two sides of the same creamy coin. One’s nostalgic and rich, the other’s classic and sweet.

If you want to slow down and savor something that feels like a warm memory on a cool day, grab a malt. But if you’re after a treat that’s simple, refreshing, and hits that instant sweet spot — the milkshake’s your best friend.

And if you ever find yourself at a retro diner, like I did that day off Route 66, and the waiter asks, “Malt or shake?” — now you’ll know exactly what you’re in the mood for.